Q: Who is Clear & Bright Protocol I for?
A: Clear & Bright Protocol I is formulated for dry to normal, acne-prone skin that cycles between breakouts, congestion, and uneven tone. It helps gently clear pore buildup, support consistent exfoliation, and improve the look of tone and texture—helping skin stay smoother, clearer, and more balanced over time. It's suited to normal, combination, and dry skin in all skin tones.
Q: What's the difference between Clear & Bright Protocol I and Protocol II? A: Both protocols help address breakouts and uneven tone, but they're matched to different skin types. Protocol I is designed for dry to normal skin and uses gentler, more hydrating steps like the Daily Repair Pads. Protocol II is built for normal to oily skin that clogs easily. Choosing the version that matches your skin type helps the regimen perform as intended.
Q: What products are included in Clear & Bright Protocol I? A: The protocol includes five products designed to work together in sequence: the Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash, Daily Repair Pads, 8% Mandelic Acid Serum, Derm-A-Renew, and Allantoin. Each step is selected to support the next, following the Cleanser, Toner/Pad, Corrector, and Hydrator/Protector framework.
Q: How strong is this protocol? A: Clear & Bright Protocol I is an Active-strength protocol. It uses full-strength clinical formulations, paired with gentler, more hydrating steps suited to dry to normal skin. Mild dryness, peeling, or sensitivity can be normal as your skin acclimates—the routine is designed to be introduced gradually so skin adjusts comfortably.
Q: How do I use Clear & Bright Protocol I — what's the AM and PM routine? A: Morning (AM):
- Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash — Work into a lather and massage over the face for 20–30 seconds, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly. Start every other day, increasing to once or twice daily as tolerated.
- 8% Mandelic Acid Serum — Apply to the entire face, neck, and chest (not as a spot treatment). Start every other day for two weeks, then increase to daily.
- Allantoin — Apply to the face daily.
Evening (PM):
- Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash — Cleanse as in the morning.
- Daily Repair Pads — After cleansing, gently wipe a pre-moistened pad over the face, neck, and chest. Start every other day, increasing to daily evening use as tolerated.
- Derm-A-Renew — Apply over the entire area (no spot treating). Begin every other day for two weeks, then increase to daily as tolerated. Mild irritation is normal; if it occurs, skip a few days and resume every other day. Shake well before use.
Q: How should I introduce the products if I'm new to clinical actives? A: Each step is designed to be eased into rather than started all at once. Begin the wash every day, the serum and Daily repair pads every other day for the first two weeks, and Derm-A-Renew every other day for two weeks. Increasing gradually gives your skin time to acclimate. Mild dryness or peeling is normal; if sensitivity occurs, skip a few days and resume at the lower frequency.
Q: Why is mandelic acid used in this protocol? A: Mandelic acid is a larger-molecule alpha hydroxy acid, which means it works gradually and is often well-suited to acne-prone and uneven-tone skin. In this protocol, the 8% Mandelic Acid Serum delivers mandelic acid by day, while Derm-A-Renew—the REt (RP)™ Retinoid—works at night. This AM/PM routine works together to support consistent exfoliation, helping refine texture and promote a clearer, more even-looking complexion over time.
Q: What is Derm-A-Renew? What does it do in this protocol? A: Derm-A-Renew is the REt (RP)™ Retinoid step in Clear & Bright Protocol I, used at night as your corrector. It's formulated to be gentler and more hydrating—well-suited to dry to normal skin. Retinoids support the skin's natural renewal process, helping to promote natural moisture, refine texture, and promote a smoother, clearer-looking complexion over time. Apply over the entire area, beginning every other day for two weeks and increasing to daily as your skin acclimates. Shake well before use. Mild irritation is normal as skin adjusts.
Q: Do I need to wear sunscreen with this protocol? A: Yes. Because this protocol includes exfoliating actives, sun protection is essential. If you're exposed to the sun, wear a hat and reapply sunscreen every two hours, and avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Daily sunscreen helps protect your results and support overall skin health. We recommend Vivant's Day Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15—a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that hydrates without greasiness, making it a comfortable fit for dry to normal skin.
Q: How long until I see results? A: A protocol works through synergy, consistency, and time. Following the complete routine for at least 30 days helps support visible improvement as skin moves through its natural renewal cycle. Surface-level changes may appear earlier, while deeper improvement continues to build with consistent, longer-term use.
Q: Is it normal to experience dryness or peeling? A: Yes—mild dryness, peeling, or sensitivity can be a normal part of acclimating to active exfoliation. If it occurs, skip a few days and resume at a lower frequency, then build back up gradually as your skin tolerates. If irritation persists, reduce usage.
Q: Do I get a discount when I buy the full protocol? A: Yes—receive 10% off when you purchase Clear & Bright Protocol I as a complete protocol versus buying each product individually.
Q: Can I get personalized help before starting? A: Yes. If you're unsure whether Clear & Bright Protocol I is right for you, schedule a complimentary virtual consultation with one of our in-house aestheticians to confirm the best protocol for your skin.
